Packers: Aaron Jones’ contract could be a problem in 2023

Aaron Jones is one of the Green Bay Packers‘ most important players, but his contract could be an issue next year.

As ESPN’s Rob Demovsky noted after Jones signed a four-year extension in March 2021, it was effectively a two-year deal.

The contract was structured to help the Packers’ salary cap for the first two years. Jones’ cap hits the past two seasons have been manageable, but it all changes in 2023.

According to Over The Cap, Jones’ cap hit this season is only $5.9 million. It was $4.46 million in 2021.

However, next season, Jones’ cap hit jumps up to $20.01 million, then remains high in 2024 at $16.01 million.

Here’s why it will be a tough decision for the Packers: Jones is a key part of the offense and has shown no signs of slowing down, but his cap hit is way too high next season.

If Green Bay decided to move on from its Pro Bowl running back, it could make a cap saving of $10.46 million, which would leave the team with a dead cap hit of $9.56 million.

It will be a familiar story for the Packers when it comes to the salary cap next offseason. The team is limited in cap room and will need to make some roster moves in the coming months to create more space.

Moving on from Jones could be an option, as difficult a decision as it would be.

If the Packers did move on from Jones, running back could become a position of need. AJ Dillon would likely take over the RB1 role next season, but depth would be an issue. The Packers would have to hope either Tyler Goodson or Patrick Taylor could step into the RB2 role.

It will be another offseason filled with difficult decisions for the Packers, and Aaron Jones’ future will be one of them.